Category Earning

In the current economy under President Trump’s renewed administration, many popular side hustles are becoming less sustainable. New tariffs on imported goods have led to higher prices for essentials like car parts, groceries, and electronics. This makes side gigs like rideshare driving and food delivery more expensive to maintain, since workers must now spend more to keep their vehicles running and buy everyday items. On top of that, rapid advances in artificial intelligence are replacing many simple gig jobs, such as online freelancing or basic customer service work. As a result, people who relied on these side hustles for extra income are finding it harder to make money or are being pushed out of the market altogether.

In 2025, more Americans than ever are turning to side hustles to keep up with rising prices and uncertain job markets. About 36% of people now have a side job, earning around $530 each month on average. This trend is especially popular among Gen Z, who are using online platforms, social media, gig jobs, and small business ideas to earn extra money and gain valuable experience. With inflation making it harder to cover basic expenses, many are realizing that one job may not be enough. The rise in new business applications—over 452,000 in March 2025 alone—shows that people are taking control of their financial futures by becoming more entrepreneurial.

In 2025, side hustles have become a major way for people to take control of their financial future. With rising living costs, unpredictable job markets, and slow wage growth, many workers are finding it harder to rely on just one full-time job. Instead, they’re turning to side hustles—not just for extra cash, but as a smart long-term strategy. Popular options now include freelancing with the help of AI tools, offering expert advice online (called micro-consulting), and running small e-commerce businesses. These modern side jobs are more flexible, high-tech, and often more stable than older gig work like ridesharing or food delivery. As technology keeps advancing, these side hustles give people more ways to grow their careers and earn money, even when the economy is uncertain.

In 2025, more college students across the U.S. are turning to side hustles to cope with rising costs and an uncertain economy. About one in three students are now earning money through gigs like tutoring, freelance work, online reselling, and content creation—often outside of traditional campus jobs. This rise in side hustles goes beyond just earning extra cash; it shows a shift in how young people view work. Instead of waiting to build careers after graduation, many students are using side hustles to gain real-world experience, learn business skills, and stay financially secure while still in school.

In September 2025, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates to help boost the slowing U.S. economy. This decision came after signs of a weakening job market and lingering inflation. Lowering the federal funds rate to a range of 4.00–4.25% makes it cheaper for people and businesses to borrow money — including for mortgages, personal loans, and credit cards. As a result, mortgage rates dropped to around 6.13%, down from over 7% earlier in the year. At the same time, more people are turning to AI-powered side hustles, like freelance writing, digital design, and online tutoring with the help of tools like ChatGPT. These flexible, tech-driven jobs are becoming a popular way to earn extra income as many Americans adjust their careers during uncertain economic times.

As the U.S. economy faces slow wage growth and rising living costs, many Americans are turning to side hustles to make ends meet. In 2025, about 27% of people reported having a side gig, earning an average of $885 each month. These extra jobs—such as freelancing, delivery driving, online selling, and content creation—help workers deal with inflation and job uncertainty. Young adults, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are leading the way in finding creative ways to earn money outside of traditional 9-to-5 jobs. With the global side hustle economy now worth around $582 billion, it’s clear that side gigs are becoming an important part of how people manage their finances and plan for the future.